Neil Smith, Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald Journalist Profile

Articles

Cost of new Ardrossan Campus rockets to more than £114 million

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

The cost of the new campus, which is due to open in 2027, has risen by almost £30 million (Image: JM Architects/Charlie Gilmour) THE cost of the new Ardrossan Campus has risen by almost £30 million, council chiefs have confirmed. Originally budgeted at £86.8 million, a new report has revealed the project will now set North Ayrshire Council back an incredible £114.6 million.
Here's how Ayrshire MPs voted on Assisted Dying Bill at Westminster

1 week ago | ayradvertiser.com | Neil Smith

MPs Elaine Stewart, Irene Campbell, Alan Gemmell and Lillian Jones (Image: Newsquest) AYRSHIRE'S MPs voted three to one in favour of backing the controversial Assisted Dying Bill at Westminster today (Friday, June 20). North Ayrshire & Arran's Elaine Campbell, Ayrshire Central's Alan Gemmell and Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock's Elaine Stewart voted in favour of the Bill, with Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP Lillian Jones voting against it.
Artists and creators set for Arran residency - based in a vintage truck

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

With accommodation being provided at Drumadoon Estate, the Clyde Bioregion Residency Programme is being delivered by and supported by a freelance co-ordinator, working closely with a collective of artists, creative practitioners, landowners and gallerists. They are being supported by North Ayrshire Council, Creative Scotland and Archaeology Scotland.
First Minister's 'long term commitment' to Ardrossan as Arran's key port

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

3 1/1 JOHN Swinney has given a firm commitment that Ardrossan will remain the key port for Arran, after harbour protestors gathered outside Holyrood yesterday. In response to a question from MSP for Cunninghame North, Kenneth Gibson, the First Minister said the Scottish Government is focused on a "long term solution for Ardrossan Harbour" as negotiations to take over the facility from owners Peel Ports continue.
PHOTOS: High School Musical show is a big hit at Auchenharvie Academy

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

18 1/1 TALENTED Auchenharvie Academy pupils have staged an amazing production of High School Musical. After weeks of rehearsals, they put on three performances and wowed the audiences. The final performance takes place on Thursday, June 19, with just a few tickets still available. Photographer Charlie Gilmour was there to take these great pics of the cast in action on stage. The school said: "Huge progress been made on and off the stage.
LIVE: Ardrossan Harbour campaigners head to Holyrood for parliament protest

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

Live Save Ardrossan Harbour campaigners are at Holyrood for a Scottish Parliament protest. The Herald will be sharing live updates as the day progresses. A bus collected Arran supporters at Troon first - since Ardrossan is still without its ferry service - before heading to the capital.
Volunteers needed to help clear invasive plant from Eglinton Country Park

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

Himalayan Balsam can destroy native species (Image: Wildlife Trust) THE North Ayrshire Rangers service is looking for volunteers to help it clear up Himalayan Balsom from Eglinton Park over the next two weekends. The service plans to clear out the invasive plant from the country park on Saturday, June 21 and Saturday, June 28.
Police following 'positive line of inquiry' on Arran Pride 'hate crime'

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

Banners and decorations along the route of the annual event were torn down and scattered on the beach. Now the Arran Pride committee have provided an update on the incident - and appealed to the public for their help in finding the culprits. The group said on their Facebook page: "An incident took place on May 31 with the removal of all visible Pride celebratory signs, including 35 flags, two banners, decorations at the wee Co-op and The Douglas Hotel.
Caledonian Isles return delayed again with specialist engineer now required

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

Ferry operators CalMac have revealed efforts to resolve a gearbox problem on the vessel are ongoing. The company said: "Sea trials are continuing to gather data on the issue and a specialist engineer will attend the vessel later this week. "The vessel is now expected to resume timetabled service to/from Ardrossan from Wednesday, June 25.
Amazing farmland properties on Arran on the market for a combined £2.8 million

1 week ago | ardrossanherald.com | Neil Smith

Burnbank Farm and West Glensherraig Farm are now on offer because the family who have grazed animals and exercised stewardship of the rolling hills and glens for generations are now retiring from the farming sector. The farmlands have been divided into three lots for sale by the rural services division of DM Hall Chartered Surveyors in a spectacular position on the outskirts of Brodick.